Chapter 4

Sports Center on the television with the volume on low, two empty beer bottles sat on coffee table among the contents of the file she had been given three hours ago.

For three long years she didn't know anyone other than her FBI contacts and those she saw everyday while undercover. Suddenly she had a father, four older brothers, three sister-in-laws, eight nieces and nephews, friends and co-workers. She also had a new name, well her real one. Even though she only heard it once, it wouldn't take long to get used to; it felt more natural than Jacklyn ever did.

Jessica, she thought, no, just Jess. Yes, Jess. As she once again read over every name and looked at every picture she couldn't help but feel like something was off. Every time she read a certain name and looked at the corresponding picture she got butterflies in her stomach.

"I think we were more than just partners," she said aloud "a lot more." Letting out a loud sigh, Jess got up to get another beer, "Why can't I remember?!" She asked to no one, frustrated with the entire situation.

She decided against another beer and chose to just go to bed instead in hopes that maybe her dreams would clue her in on her past life.

As she was pouring her morning coffee, thinking about her dreams that were no help in remembering anything, there was a knock at the door. Looking through the peep-hole she saw a man who looked an awful lot like the picture of her brother Jason. Opening the door cautiously not knowing how he would react after all this time and not knowing how she would feel.

Jason gasped slightly, he had shown up there very skeptical but there she stood his little sister.

"Can I hug you?" he asked not wanting to startle her, it was obvious to him that she really didn't remember.

Nodding slightly still not sure of the situation, Jess took a step back to let him in and close the door. Jason gently pulled her into his arms, at first she wanted to bolt but that change quickly.

According to the file this was her brother, even though she doesn't remember. But, the moment he wrapped his arms around her, she felt safe, for the first time in three years, she was safe.

Just as Jason started to pull away Jess wrapped her arms around him, as hard as she tried to stop them the tears began to fall. Tightening his hold on her Jason whispered, "We'll figure it all out. I'm going to take you home and we will figure it all out."

It's silent in the cab on the way to the airport, Jason isn't sure what to say right now. He's okay with the awkward silence though, his baby sister is alive.

Jess is fidgeting she's uncomfortable with the waiting, she wants to be with her family and she wants to remember. The feeling of living in a body that has 20-something years living a life and not remembering a single moment, is pure torture.

Walking through airport security there is more silence between the two, while waiting at the gate for their plane to begin boarding, Jason decides to break the silence.

"J, we will figure this out, there is no rush. We are your family and we love you. You take all the time you need." He stated his voice shaking slightly.

"It's been three years and I haven't remembered anything." She said in a tone that Jason knew meant he needed to back off right now. But, being the overprotective big brother he is, of course he won't drop it just yet.

"You've also been lied too in that time. Plus, you might not remember but your mannerisms, tones and all around attitude haven't changed. I'll drop it till we get home but just..." he trailed off, he didn't want her to give up normally she wouldn't, but it sounds like she already has.

"What?" She snaps.

"Just don't give up before you try. Once you're around family and we tell you stories, maybe it'll work. There is no rush Jess, we'll wait forever." He sighed knowing that would be the last time they spoke till they get to New York.

Chris, the oldest of the Angell boys, opens the door and inspects her head to toe before catching eyes with Jason. Who simply shook his head letting him know to just move aside and let them in.

Walking hesitantly behind her two brothers into the kitchen, her father and other two brothers stood waiting. The room was filled with anxiety and tension, no one was sure what to do or say. Her brothers and especially her father wanted to run and hug her, but they knew moving too fast could be worse on her ever getting her memory back. The length of time without it was hindering enough.

Jess looks up at her father and just nods simply; he takes the steps to stand in front of her. He opens his arms to her and lets her do the rest of the work.

Wrapping her arms around her father's waist, Jess wants to run. Why can't I remember? She thinks to herself defeated. When she pulls back she looks around the room.

"Where's our mother?" She asks curious. There is a mixture of sad eyes looking at her and some eyes staring at the floor. This was hard enough the first time. Her eldest brother thinks to himself.

Taking her hand like he did years ago, Chris nodded at his father. "Jessica," Cliff began slowly, "your mother, a beautiful angel swooped down to earth and he carried her away." He repeated the same words he said to his little girl when she was 7-years-old.

Jess stiffened, and began to speak with a slight smirk on her face. "Car Accident, I was seven." Glancing at Jason, "I guess you were right, but that's all I think I remember right now."

He places a hand on her shoulder, "It's a start. No rush." He smiles down at his sister. "Go up to your old room, get some rest we'll all talk in the morning." He says without giving anyone a chance to protest, steering her towards the stairs and carrying her bag up for her.